The New Tri-State Defender - January 27-February 2, 2022

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VOL. 71, No. 4

January 27 - February 2, 2022

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100 North Main renovation viewed as a ‘Black wealth’ opportunity

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

The $267-million plan to convert the 100 North Main skyscraper into a mixed-use development will create hundreds of new jobs and give a “significant number” of minority and women-owned contractors a shot at being part of the Downtown building’s makeover.

Paul Young, president and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC), said that is the expected impact of the project, adding that minority- and women-owned contractors will be actively recruited to help make the renovation a finished product.

The Downtown Mobility Authority voted Jan. 19 to let the partnership of Kevin Woods and Billy Orgel redevelop Memphis’ tallest building into a mixture of retail, office, hotel and multi-family apartment space.

The redevelopment team also includes Jay Lindy, Adam Slovis and Michael McLaughlin.

“Awarding the renovation of 100 N. Main to the 100 N. Main Development Partners was intentional and deliberate,” said Young. “We received 11 amazing proposals from impressive and experienced companies.

“But we wanted a local company, one that understood our vision to build Black wealth. Kevin Woods’ leadership in the project was a major deciding factor.”

The abandoned tower has sat blighted since 2015 when the building’s owner was ordered to enclose the building with a wall to ensure safety by the city’s Environmental Court. It was, instead, left empty and in a progressive state of disrepair.

Alton Elementary will be closed next year as part of the sweeping Reimagining 901 facilities plan approved by the Shelby County school board on Tuesday. Students will instead attend A.B. Hill Elementary. (Photo: Laura Faith Kebede / Chalkbeat)

School board renames district, approves closures and mergers

by Samantha West Chalkbeat

Kevin Woods’ leadership is being hailed as “a major deciding factor” in the choice of a local partnership to redevelop Memphis’ tallest building into a mixture of retail, office, hotel and multi-family apartment space. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises) DMC affiliate Downtown Mobility Authority purchased the structure for $10.75 million in March 2021, using funds for PILOT (payment in lieu of

taxes) extension.

PILOTs are financial incentives

SEE 100 ON PAGE 2

New Memphis Bar Association president is a ‘first’ in pursuit of a ‘transformational moment’

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

With nearly a month into a yearlong term, Tannera Gibson, the first African-American woman to become president of the Memphis Bar Association, looks for opportunities to change racial and ethnic perceptions.

She is riding a momentous wave of firsts, succeeding the Peter Gee, the organization’s first Asian-American to serve in that office.

“I don’t want it to be an anomaly that black women serve in highly influential capacities,” said Gibson.

“And not just black women, but for others who are marginalized and diminished in some way. Racial biases and cultural prejudices have continued to prevent individuals for being judged on their abilities and gifts. I want to see all that change.”

Gibson realizes that one year is not

“On Dec. 2 of last year, when Peter passed that gavel to me, I knew I wanted my presidency to be more than just a hollow, symbolic term. I want it to be a transformational moment in our history.”

— Tannera Gibson long to work on altering racial and ethnic perceptions, but she has ideas about how to make meaningful strides toward a more equitable and inclusive approach in the legal community.

“We want to celebrate diversity and promote it in every way,” Gibson said. “This global pandemic over the past two years has been an extraordinary time.

The board of the newly-branded Memphis-Shelby County School District on Tuesday endorsed a sweeping facilities plan that includes closing two schools, merging another two schools, and relocating several schools and programs, among other changes.

District officials said many of the changes are designed to better use schools with declining enrollment, address overcrowding at other schools, and move students out of buildings with millions of dollars in deferred maintenance.

The board agreed Tuesday night to close Alton and Shady Grove elementary schools after this school year. Alton students will instead attend A.B. Hill Elementary, and Shady Grove students will attend

either Dexter K-8 School or White Station Elementary.

Dexter elementary and middle schools will merge to form Dexter K-8 School, and Mt. Pisgah Middle School will expand to include ninth grade.

In addition, three schools will relocate: • Maxine Smith STEAM Academy, a middle school, will move and share the East High School campus.

• Northwest Prep Academy and the district’s Adolescent Parenting Program will move to the building formerly occupied by Airways Middle School.

• Airways Achievement Academy, a K-8 school, will move to the building formerly occupied by Norris Elementary.

The changes are part of the dis-

SEE SCHOOLS ON PAGE 2

REBRANDED – Shelby County Schools becomes MemphisShelby County Schools TSD Newsroom After joining Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC as a student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Tannera Gibson later became the law firm’s first African-American partner. (Courtesy photo) “Inequities and disparity have been revealed in nearly every aspect of our lives. On Dec. 2 of last year, when

SEE BAR ON PAGE 2

The Shelby County Board of Education has officially voted to rebrand Shelby County Schools as Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

With more than 80 percent of students living within the city of Memphis, shifting to Memphis-Shelby County Schools reflects the District’s geographic location and the families serve, according to a media release proclaiming the change.

District officials said rebranding is one of several strategies “as we

reimagine education, schools, and communities while raising the national profile of our District.”

The district is Tennessee’s largest and is among the 25 largest public school districts in the United States.

Formerly comprised of two smaller districts, Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools, it serves over 100,000 students in more than 200 schools. It is the second-largest employer in Shelby County with over 13,900 employees, including

SEE REBRAND ON PAGE 2

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The New Tri-State Defender

SCHOOLS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT trict’s “Reimagining 901” initiative, which the board unanimously endorsed Tuesday.

The plan also calls for rezoning high school students in Memphis’ Riverwood neighborhood from Ridgeway High School to White Station High School, and for refocusing academic programming at Bolton High School on what the district calls “agristem” — agriculture, automotive, science, technology, engineering, and math careers.

Supt. Dr. Joris Ray called the wide-ranging facilities plan the “first step to a new day” intended to revolutionize public education in Memphis.

Ray’s initial “Reimagining 901” proposal, presented last year, included constructing five schools, expanding 13 existing schools, and closing 13 to 15 schools by 2031. Ray responded to critics who said the dis-

BAR

CONTINUED FROM FRONT Peter passed that gavel to me, I knew I wanted my presidency to be more than just a hollow, symbolic term. I want it to be a transformational moment in our history.”

Gibson became the first African-American partner in the law firm of Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC. After joining Burch as a student at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Gibson knew she wanted to be an attorney at the firm after she graduated.

She has been there since 2009, two years after graduating from law school.

As 2022 unfolds, Gibson believes opportunities to implement policies promoting diversity will present themselves.

Young, aspiring attorneys, no matter their economic and social background, should be encouraged to trust their own capabilities as they pursue their dreams.

“I remember so many moments of self-doubt because I didn’t have anyone to assure me that I could be a successful attorney,” said Gibson. “Men-

January 27 - February 2, 2022

NEWS

trict is rushing the changes.

“Parents, I hear you. Community, I hear you. But we can’t wait on doing what’s right for children,” Ray said in an impassioned speech before the board’s vote. “I’m committed to doing everything in my power to ensure all of our students have a world-class education, because this work is personal to me, because I was once one of those kids.”

Minutes later, the board unanimously passed the facilities plan, with no discussion, among 30-some other action items. The vote covered the district’s initiative to change its name from Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools.

In a separate vote, the board approved renewing the charter contracts of several schools, including KIPP Memphis Academy Middle and KIPP Memphis Collegiate Elementary, two schools administrators had recommended for closure due to low test scores.

Before the votes Tuesday, 21 peo-

ple addressed the board, most expressing either excitement or dismay about Maxine Smith STEAM Academy’s move from Middle College High School to East High School.

Andy Rambo, the father of an eighth-grader at Maxine Smith STEAM Academy and of a junior at East High School who also attended Maxine Smith, commended the district for the move, and said it will make it much easier for parents like him.

Rambo also said he’s confident that combining two schools will lead to better educational opportunities for “all of Memphis’ babies,” including his 18-month-old son.

“It is a scary thing as a parent to trust a significant part of the social-emotional development of your child to someone,” Rambo said. “We cannot be more happy and confident in the decisions we’ve made.”

Conversely, Stephanie Ferreira, the mother of two East High School students, pleaded with the board to

toring students in high school and college, who are looking at a career in law, is very important. Reaching back and helping young people with direction and encouragement can be life changing. I want to really look at this organization making a positive impact in this way.”

The resources available to the 147year organization of local attorneys will support diversity initiatives being proposed in Gibson’s administration, but the time frame may be a challenge.

“There are so many things not being taught in law school,” said Gibson. “I want to see a leadership program for law students that will raise awareness about the need for diversity and help them understand cultural sensitivity.

“I want to establish this program during my administration and design it in such a way that it will continue long after I pass the gavel on in December.”

Gibson’s childhood and her life growing up in Memphis have made her a determined promoter of diversity.

Growing up in predominantly African-American communities made Gibson aware of cultural biases that may have limited the scope of her

experiences, whether intentional or unintentional.

“We lived in a few places in Memphis,” said Gibson. “We lived in Cherokee for a time. We lived on Barron near Orange Mound, and we lived in Whitehaven. Others coming from a more affluent background sometimes produced feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

“Obviously, I was able to work though that. But things shouldn’t be like they are just because they have always been that way. Change is good.”

Gibson feels that a greater awareness of the benefits of diversity will help to improve the legal community in the long run.

Gibson is the seventh of nine children. Her mother was there to witness the passing of the MBA gavel.

Gibson’s father died in 2017. The Gibson family is proud of what the 43-year-old has already accomplished.

After graduating from Whitehaven High School, Gibson earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

Working two years in the field convinced her to apply for law school and pursue her real life-long desire to become a lawyer.

braced our vision for diversity on this project. I am fully confident they are committed to it.”

After the 37-story edifice was purchased, the DMC staff created a Request for Proposals (RFP) Committee to solicit proposals from developers to compete for the refurbishing project.

“We were so excited to learn we had the winning proposal,” said Woods. “The very next day, we were meeting with our team of contractors and managers directly involved with moving the project forward.

“Minorities and women are encouraged to actively seek participation in the project. The opportunities are limitless for businesses who have not worked on projects of this scope.

I am personally committed to diversity and inclusion on this project,” Woods said.

Orgel’s Tower Ventures owns more than 370 communications towers.

Orgel has facilitated nine refurbishment projects, including the Tennessee Brewery.

Orgel credited Woods with assembling a winning collaboration of Lindy, Slovis and McLaughlin to design

and submit the RFP. The skyscraper, built in 1965, is on the National Historic Registry.

Renovations will include 180 to 210 apartments, a full-service hotel with around 200 rooms, 60,000 square feet City of Memphis office space, and a rooftop restaurant, pool, and retail space for hotel guests. A parking facility also is attached.

Young said plans for residential, hospitality and office space ensures the structure will be bustling with activity, even through the evening and early morning.

Of the 11 groups submitting proposals, only four were local. Six of 11 were chosen as finalists before the aptly named 100 N. Main Development Partners came out on top.

“We felt that local developers (who were) committed to minority investment as strongly as we were definitely the right choice,” said Young.

“Broadening the project’s reach for diversity really means everyone wins. Spreading the wealth doesn’t mean taking from someone else. Inclusion is equitable, and it is right to do.”

The abandoned 100 North Main building has sat blighted since 2015 when the city’s Environmental Court ordered the building’s owner to enclose it with a wall to ensure safety. It was, instead, left empty and in a progressive state of disrepair.

(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises.

The New Tri-State Defender)

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CONTINUED FROM FRONT designed to entice corporations to relocate to an area or invest in major projects, bringing or creating jobs and spurring economic development.

“It was important for the chosen company to really understand our vision for a more equitable distribution of lucrative inclusion for minority and women,” said Young.

“Only 25 percent is required to spend with minority contractors.

But 25 percent is the floor, the starting point. We would love to see that number reach 40 to 50 percent.”

Young said Orgel and Woods conveyed the type of partnering city officials want to see demonstrated as the work gets underway.

“Billy Orgel’s business is providing nearly $268 million being allotted to the project,” said Young. “But allowing Kevin Woods to assume the leading role in managing the project was a huge factor in our decision-making.

“After several interviews, we were confident they understood and em-

hold off on moving Maxine Smith to East and asked for “due diligence and investment” in working with parents and answering their questions.

“The position that we’re in as parents is one of confusion regarding a plan that many of us have just learned about over the past several weeks,” Ferreira said, adding many “walked away from the (district’s community) meetings with unanswered questions about a plan that was vague.”

Ray later defended the district’s plan as well-founded in extensive research, and also disagreed with complaints from some people that they weren’t well-informed about the proposed facilities plans.

“We don’t make haphazard decisions. We don’t just act without consulting the community, without asking the right questions, without garnering feedback,” Ray said.

While board member Althea Greene acknowledged some parents and community members are concerned about the changes, she said

Page 2

she is happy with the plan and the board’s decision.

“As we ‘Reimagine 901,’ we realize that things will have to change,” she said.

Asked after the meeting about the board’s lack of discussion before voting, Greene said members asked questions and discussed the proposal at previous committee meetings, and it was good they didn’t have to “waste time” at Tuesday’s business meeting.

Board Chair Michelle McKissack echoed Greene’s comments, saying the proposals approved Tuesday are not just about facilities, but also about the district “firing all of its cylinders” at its mission.

“It’s going to be difficult and not everyone is going to fully agree with it, but you have to look at the big picture and that’s what ‘Reimagining 901’ is all about,” she said. “It’s all about not just approving our school buildings, but what’s happening in the buildings.”

Supt. Dr. Joris Ray fields questions about the rebranding of Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools. (Courtesy photo)

REBRAND

CONTINUED FROM FRONT 6,000 teachers.

What’s next?

Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately. Full implementation can take up to five years to complete.

The District’s current logo remains in place for now. The new Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) logo is tentatively scheduled to be revealed at the State of the District address on February 23.

The District will keep its legal name as Shelby County Board of Education.

According to its media announcement, the District’s executive leaders – via a planning committee format, will lead a project plan to develop additional phases and prioritize the short-term and long-term goals.

Here are a set of facts about the rebrand shared with district employees: Q: What is the District’s plan for rebranding? Why now?

A: When legacy Memphis City Schools merged with Shelby County Schools, it naturally adopted the SCS name and logo because they represent the entirety of the county landscape. What we know is that more than 80 percent of students live in the city limits of Memphis. Rebranding is one of several Reimagining 901 strategies as we reimagine education, schools, and communities while raising the national profile of our District.

Rebranding the District includes implementation of a new logo, signage replacement, website redesign, community and branding awareness, etc. The rebrand proposal was presented last spring at the State of the District. It’s now time to move forward with implementation.

Q: When is this change happening?

A: The Shelby County Board of Education approved the recommendation to change the DBA (doing business as) name of the District from Shelby County Schools to Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) at its business meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022. The DBA name change took place immediately after the Board vote.

The District will keep its legal name as “Shelby County Board of Education”. Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete.

Q: Will my District email change?

A: Yes, the Information Technology team will be updating District staff email addresses to reflect the new name. Please continue to use your scsk12.org email address until notified of your new email address.

Q: Will the District website change?

A: Yes, a new domain has been secured by the District, and we will share the website link once the site has been migrated. We are in the process of updating references to the name change (new DBA) throughout the site.

Q: Do I need to remove all SCS logos from my school, office, or building?

A: At this time, it is not necessary for employees to remove or discard all SCS-branded items. The full implementation of the rebrand will happen in phases. You will receive updated guidance, as we approach each phase.

Q: What logo should I use on documents or promotional items?

A: The SCS logo should no longer be used on new materials. For time-sensitive items that need a District logo, use the Reimagining 901 logo. The new Memphis-Shelby County Schools logo tentatively will be revealed at the State of the District, Feb. 23, 2022. Some phases of the rebrand will begin immediately and full implementation can take up to five years to complete. You will receive updated guidance, as we approach each phase.

Q: How should I refer to the District?

A: Please now refer to the District as Memphis-Shelby County Schools verbally, in correspondence, on new documents, in promotional items, etc. For time-sensitive printing and presentations that need a District logo, use the Reimagining 901 logo.

Q: What are the legal next steps related to using the Memphis-Shelby County Schools name and/or imagery?

A: The District’s legal team will be providing additional information about trademark and intellectual property rights. More information is forthcoming.

Q. Will the District need/ask for more money for the rebrand?

A. No, the District will not seek additional funds for the rebrand. As with any large organization or company, we have designated funds in the District budget for marketing and awareness campaigns.

The New Tri-State Defender

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PERSPECTIVE The New Tri-State Defender, January 27 - February 2, 2022, Page 4

COMMENTARY

Valuing a U.S. Court of Appeals nominee with South Memphis roots

Vouchers – something sneaky is going on!

by Carlissa Shaw, Esq.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

P

resident Biden nominated a Memphis native, lawyer Andre B. Mathis, to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit to replace Judge Bernice Donald, who took senior status last year.

Judge Donald, when appointed in 2011, became the first African-American female to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court Mathis’ nomination gained national attention January 12th as thousands on social media scrutinized United States Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tennessee) treatment of him during a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing. The former NAACP President Cornell William Brooks said it was “extraordinarily painful to watch.”

Blackburn referred to Mathis’ “rap sheet,” regarding three speeding tickets more than 10 years old. One of the tickets was for going five miles over the speed limit.

Mathis remained stoic, poised and calm while representing himself, his family and Memphis.

He told senators that “Growing up in South Memphis, I never thought that I would be nominated for this position.”

If confirmed, Mathis will be only the third African-American male to serve on the body, and the second African-American male from Tennessee to serve.

In 2022, we still are celebrating “firsts”. Mathis would be the first Black man from Memphis to serve on the appeal court.

We need to see more Mathises in our community to inspire our youth to believe in things that seem impossible.

Mathis has a life story that prepared him for this moment. He grew up in the heart of South Memphis on Trigg Avenue and attended neighborhood legacy Memphis City Schools. He knows firsthand the obstacles and beauty of being a kid from the “hood.”

Mathis attended both Southside and Central high schools, later obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree and a law degree from the University of Memphis.

For many children growing up in the urban core of Memphis, attending college and law school often are dreams deferred, not because of lack of talent but because of a lack of access and resources.

Although Mathis faced the challenges of many minority students, including finances and support while pursuing higher education, he did not let that deter him.

In law school, he finished in the top 10 percent of his class, was an editor of the law review, served on the moot court board and passed the bar exam on his first attempt.

By age 37, Mathis had been named a partner at two of Memphis’ top law firms: Glankler Brown, where he started practicing after graduating from law school in 2007, and Butler Snow, which he joined as a partner in 2020.

During his 14 years of practice, Mathis has handled nearly 200 criminal cases, more than 70 as a member of the Criminal Justice Act panel for the Western District of Tennessee, the federal judicial district encompassing Memphis.

He also is a former member of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Gun Violence, a position to which ABA President William C. Hubbard appointed him in 2014.

However, what truly makes Mathis a hometown hero is his heart for service.

For the past 14 years, Mathis has coached student moot court teams at his alma mater. Alumni of his training include Will Terrell, a corporate lawyer for Amazon; Jerrick Murrell, an associate with Baker Donelson and me, Carlissa Shaw, chief policy advisor for the Shelby County Environmental Court.

Terrell shared these sentiments on Facebook following the White House release of Mathis’ nomination: “During the first week of my first semester of law school, I met Andre Mathis. I asked him what I needed to do to be successful in law school, and he told me. In a

by Curtis Weathers

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

If confirmed, Andre Mathis would be only the second African-American male to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the first African-American male from Tennessee to serve. (Courtesy photo) theme that would repeat Itself over the years, I listened to his advice halfway. When I wanted to try out for Law Review, Andre was my first call. When I wanted to join the Moot Court team, Andre was the coach. When I graduated from law school and decided I didn’t like Civil Litigation, I talked to Andre about my next moves. When I joined FedEx, I talked to Andre about it, and when I had another opportunity, the same story.

“My story is not unique. He’s done this for countless young lawyers that matriculate through the University of Memphis Law School. For the last 10+ years, Andre has given his time, money, and energy to advance the cause of helping young lawyers achieve their dreams. He’s a true friend, a great lawyer, and he will be an outstanding judge.

“On a day when South Memphis lost one of its sons, another son of South Memphis is blazing a path that gives hope to that community and the rest of Memphis.

“Proud to call you a friend Mr. Mathis! Congratulations.”

Mathis is the former chair of the Downtown Porter Boys & Girls Club, where he benefited from the programming in the very same space as a child. In 2011, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis named him its Alumnus of the Year.

In addition, Mathis works as a pro bono lawyer, volunteers at expungement clinics and donates his time and resources to causes supporting the Memphis community.

In 2018, the Memphis Bar Association awarded Mathis the Sam A. Myar Jr. Memorial Award, the MBA’s highest honor for public service.

Mathis also is a former president of the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association.

A husband, father, lawyer, mentor and community leader, Mathis ultimately is just a kid from South Memphis that used every resource at his disposal to become a neighborhood hero.

Mathis’ confirmation is pending. If you are interested in helping, please contact Blackburn at 901-527-9199 or 202-224-3344. Or, go to https://www.blackburn.senate. gov/email-me to send her an email.

Contact U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee) at 901544-4224 or 202-224-4944; email: https://www.hagerty. senate.gov/email-me.

Urge them to vote “Yes” to the confirmation of Andre B. Mathis.

I have been avoiding the topic of vouchers for quite some time. For me, it is one of the most boring educational topics of all time. Yet there seems to be a lot of behindthe-scenes tinkering taking place in our state legislature that involves vouchers both directly and indirectly.

So, let’s take a peek behind the curtains and see what might be going on. First, let’s start with a little context.

The first voucher program began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1991.

At that time, 341 students took advantage of those vouchers. Fast forward to 2021 and, according to EdChoice, a total of almost 250,000 students now are using voucher programs in 16 states and the District of Columbia.

However, many voucher opponents believe these programs undermine the fundamental promise of high-quality, equitable education for all students.

Private school vouchers do not do what education policies are supposed to do, which is promote positive educational results. Instead, studies show that students using vouchers to attend private schools do not perform any better than their public-school peers. Some studies have found that academic achievement actually worsens for voucher students.

Let us be honest. Vouchers are a way to redirect funds from public schools to private institutions and voucher advocates have been ramping up efforts across the country to change laws in their favor.

Every time I read about Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s new student-based funding formula, I keep thinking it is some sort of trojan horse design to sneak in more public funding for private schools. And I am not the only one who believes this.

Many believe Lee’s new funding formula would make it easier for Tennessee to expand its private school voucher program. Lee, of course, rejects the assertion that vouchers are one of the reasons he is pushing to overhaul our funding system.

Voucher advocates are taking small but very calculated steps towards achieving their goals. They first create small voucher programs targeted at vulnerable groups of students, often those with disabilities.

Then they expand that to other subgroups, even if there is no evidence of need or clear evidence of harm.

Now they have a new strategy.

They have expanded their tactics to include students in school districts that do not offer year-long, in-person learning.

Advancing through the state legislature is a bill that would provide

public money for private school tuition for students whose school systems do not offer in-person learning the entire school year.

Curtis The bill Weathers would extend voucher eligibility for the three upcoming school years (beginning September 1, 2022) to students in any district that does not offer 180 days of in-person learning because of the pandemic.

The legislation provides remedies for parents who complain about schools not providing in-person learning because of the pandemic.

It does not afford the same opportunity for parents upset about the absence of mask mandates when COVID cases are surging.

Last year, House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville), in response to the state’s low test scores, threatened to call a special legislative session to approve voucher legislation allowing parents to move taxpayer dollars from public to private schools.

Some lawmakers are worried that this current proposal could trigger voucher eligibility in districts that might temporarily switch to remote learning to take advantage of the new provisions.

Private school advocates have the audacity to suggest that vouchers promote and advance civil rights, which is absurd. Voucher programs arrived on the scene after the Supreme Court’s (1954) Brown v.

Board of Education decision that allowed white students to attend segregated private schools and thus avoid attending integrated public schools.

From my perspective and years of experience, voucher programs are more likely to increase school segregation than promote integration.

“Private school vouchers rob the public treasury, pay for discrimination, do not improve student outcomes, increase segregation, and weaken an enormously important public good,” says Jessica Levin, a senior attorney at the Education Law Center and director of Public Funds Public Schools. I wholeheartedly concur.

Maybe I’m just overly suspicious, but a new student-based funding formula and new pandemic-inspired voucher legislation seem to equate to more liberal voucher opportunities. We’ll see how it all adds up as the year progresses.

(Follow TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers on Twitter (@curtisweathers); email: curtislweathers@gmail.com.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

January 27 - February 2, 2022

RELIGION

Page 5

I travel the globe preaching sermons – and I love it

by Mark Jefferson The Root

Currently, I serve as Assistant Professor of Homiletics at Virginia Theological Seminary. Our theological institution turns 200 in 2023. To celebrate and commemorate the occasion, our Seminary president presented me with the unique challenge to preach 200 sermons by VTs’ bicentennial. I gladly accepted.

Although I was able to preach a few virtual sermons during the year, COVID-19 essentially robbed me of the opportunity to fully use 2020 for preaching. Consequently, attempting to preach 200 sermons in 4 years is not an easy task.

Most days, it’s meant leaving Alexandria after teaching my last class of the week to travel Thursdays and Fridays, stopping by churches to drop off my business card along with information about our institution and my 200 sermons goal. More times than not, those random encounters have led to amazing conversations with people I would have otherwise never met.

And those conversations confirm just how much we’ve missed out on human connection since quarantine.

Achieving this goal of 200 sermons has taken me everywhere from rural churches in the middle of cornfields to detention centers to the National Cathedral. During the academic semesters and pre-COVID, I would often fly to preach to ensure I would be back in time for my weekly classes.

Mark Jefferson at Altun Ha, Belize. (Photo courtesy of Mark Jefferson) Semester and summer breaks have given me a chance to do more of what I love: getting in the car and driving.

One could say travel was placed in me, a family legacy of sorts. My grandmother, a teacher, and my grandfather, a pastor and itinerate preacher, traveled a lot. They taught us that seeing as much of the world around us was the best way to truly appreciate the beauty of creation.

And as I journey across the country preaching the gospel, following in the footsteps of my grandfather, I can’t help but agree.

There’s absolutely nothing like watching the sunrise while driving along the Pacific Coast or standing in the midst of the ancient ruins in Belize or traveling through the flatlands

of West Texas, all to leave you breathless at the vastness of the world. I’m glad to see things that make me feel small.

Traveling alone also gives me room to reflect on my call and vocation while in the midst of nature. There’s a reason Jesus tells the disciples to “go ye therefore” in “The Great Commission” of Matthew 28. We have to see the world and the people in it.

When arriving in a city, the first thing I do is drive around to experience the culture. Geography tells me a great deal about the people who will be in those pews. And, as someone who raises critical questions about the role of preaching and faith in the public square, being connected to and respecting the land only enriches the

Mark Jefferson preaches a sermon at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Mark Jefferson) preached word as it works to shape new disciples. …

Currently, I’ve preached 97 sermons and only have Alaska and Hawaii left before I’ve been blessed to stand in a pulpit in every state in this country. (Since this story first was published Jefferson has made it to Hawaii).

As the world opens up, I’m excited about more international opportunities. I’m excited about what it will mean for the gospel and the mission of Virginia Theological as we work to form and educate leaders to proclaim

that gospel and help others participate in God’s mission globally.

But more than anything, I’m excited to get back in the car and back on the road to see the world. It’s in the context of God’s most beautiful work, the created world, that I’m able to ask questions about what’s possible. It will not only make me a better preacher, scholar and professor, it will make me a better man.

(This story by Mark Jefferson is as told to Candice Marie Benbow. It first appeared in theroot.com)

LEGACY: Farewell Coach Lacey Smith Jr. TSD Newsroom Northside High School had an also-ran football team before Lacey Smith Jr. took over, turning it into a force and endearing himself to many.

Born Aug. 4, 1944 as the first of five children, Mr. Lacey died Dec. 31, 2021. Homegoing services were held on January 15 at Mount Vernon Baptist-Church-Westwood, where he long had been an active member.

Mr. Lacey attended the Foote Homes Kindergarten, which prepared him for Leath Elementary School.

He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School (1962), where the football coach influenced him to become a better student in pursuit of going to college.

Mr. Lacey attended Arkansas AM&N in Pinebluff and Tennessee State University in Nashville. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Mississippi Industrial College, later earning a master’s degree at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro.

After beginning his teaching career in 1966, Mr. Lacey taught social studies, such as American history and economics in Mississippi, Arkansas

This selection of photos from the obituary program for Lacey Smith Jr. reflects cherished memories from his 77-year journey.

(Photos: Tyrone P. Easley) and Tennessee.

At Messick High School in Memphis, he served as an assistant football coach. That stint yielded a recommendation to be the head football coach at Northside, which he transformed into a winning program. He served as the Memphis Interscholastic Athletic Association football chairman and was named the asso-

ciation’s Coach of the Year in 1976.

In 1978, he coached his team to the Music City Bowl.

Mr. Lacey taught life lessons to students at Messick, Northside, Raleigh-Egypt, Melrose, Hillcrest and Mitchell until he retired in 2009.

Mr. Lacey’s high school sweetheart was Cathelia Barr. They married in 1971 and had three children.

Influenced by his high school’s football coach, Lacey Smith Jr. evolved into a coach/mentor on and off the football field.

The New Tri-State Defender

January 27 - February 2, 2022

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 6

The bleak image of poverty in the ghetto decades ago is a bird’s eye view of dilapidated structures where children played and old cars abandoned.

(Photo: Mark Stansbury)

Mark Stansbury brings rare shots of Memphis history to your coffee table

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Through the Lens of Mark Stansbury” captures rare and extraordinary photographs when entertainers, civil rights leaders, presidents, and local icons made Memphis history.

Page after page of black-and-white photos tell fascinating stories of Memphis and the people who dominated news headlines.

Mark Stansbury was there with his camera to preserve each moment in time.

“I have always pushed others and encouraged them in their career and creative endeavors,” said Stansbury. “But many of these individuals I have supported over the years have been telling me it was time to display some of my many historical pho-

tos. As I thought about it, I had to agree with them.”

Stansbury said he went through hundreds and hundreds of photos, all with their own unique back story and distinct circumstances that brought back cherished memories during the photo-editing process.

“I have quite a few favorites because of the recollections that took me back to the moment,” said Stansbury. “For instance, my photos of The Beatles were taken when I was one of only two photographers allowed in their dressing room. Another favorite is the photo of Myrlie Evers, wife of Medgar Evers, wiping tears from her son’s eyes at her husband’s funeral in Jackson, MS. That funeral photo was ‘The Week’s Best Photo’ in an issue of Jet Magazine.

The coffee table publication has shown exceptional promise with impressive sales

Legendary Memphis entertainer Rufus Thomas greets a young Michael Jackson in 1970 at the Mid-South Coliseum, where The Jackson 5 performed in concert. (Photo: Mark Stansbury) at initial book signings. “Coffee table” genre, sometimes called “Cocktail table” is an oversized, hard cover book, generally a photo book with captions and brief stories explaining the photos.

Young entertainers and just regular people doing every day things made the cut.

“Through the Lens” comes less than one year behind Stansbury’s Juneteenth book release, “Beale Street Unforgotten,” co-authored by writer and publisher George C. Grant of GrantHouse Publishing.

“I was so pleased with the outcome,” said Stansbury. “As I reflect on those who helped me along the way, I must give credit

for my many accomplishments to Dr. Ernest C. Withers and Mr. A.C. ‘Moohah,’ who I called ‘Daddy Williams.’”

Booker T. & The MGs, Elvis, Nat D. Williams, Lt. George Lee, Jackie “Moms” Mabley, Coach Larry Finch, Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon, and Luther C. McClellan, the first African American to graduate from Memphis State University—some are never-before-seen images of Memphis history.

(To order a copy of “Through the Lens of Mark Stansbury,” send email to: mstnsbry@gmail.com.)

COMMUNITY The New Tri-State Defender, January 27 - February 2, 2022, Page 7

County Commission moves to intensify effort to secure Juvenile Court oversight

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Shelby County commissioners on Monday (Jan. 24) voted 7-4 in favor of lobbying for a return of federal oversight of Juvenile Court, which was halted during the Trump administration.

The action follows a resolution adopted in September that asked the U.S. Department of Justice to assess delinquency proceedings in the court, which has been accused of racial bias in sentencing, particularly regarding African-American youths when compared with compared to whites.

“This is asking our legislative analyst, our federal analyst, to carry that request forward as part of their lobbying duties, which is different from us sending a letter,” said Commissioner Tami Sawyer, the resolution’s sponsor.

The letter came at the recommendation of the Countywide Juvenile Justice Consortium. In addition to racial bias, the citizen-led board issued a report that highlighted lingering concerns about youth offender transfers to adult court, lack of mental programming and detainees fearful for their safety.

The missive drew opposition from the court and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, which oversees detentions.

After the plug was pulled on federal oversight, Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. hired DOJ’s consultant, Dr. David Roush, who still serves as an advisor.

Bonner, who is up for re-election this year, is the first African American elected the county’s sheriff.

In 2012, the Department of Justice entered a memorandum of agreement (MOU) with the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County af-

Tami Sawyer ter reports described failures in protecting the constitutional rights of children concerning delinquency.

The MOU also highlighted shortcomings in due-process rights for juvenile offenders. The agreement was halted by then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2018.

The resolution was originally part of a broader agenda item but was separated at the request of Commissioner Brandon Morrison, who felt it contrasted with the bi-partisan nature of the rest of the item.

The move drew no objections.

Commissioners voting in favor were Edmund Ford Jr., Eddie Jones, Mickell Lowery, Reginald Milton, Van Turner Jr., Michael Whaley and Sawyer. Mark Billingsley, David Bradford, Amber Mills and Morrison voted no. Commissioner Mick Wright recused himself, citing a conflict of interest because his employer does business with the court.

Sidewalks coming for East Holmes Rd. trouble spot; Commissioners also OK opioid settlement

by James Coleman

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

After years of safety issues and lobbying for improvements, commuters and pedestrians can look forward to a safer passage along East Holmes Road after the Shelby County Commission on Monday (Jan. 24) approved adding sidewalks to the southeast Memphis street.

Commissioners gave the nod to $75,000 to fund easements along East Holmes Road at Easterly Lane.

The sidewalks will connect with a sidewalk that currently ends at The Grove of Stonebriar subdivision.

The stretch of road is also close to Highland Oaks Elementary and Middle Schools.

The sidewalks continue the trend of long-awaited improvements to the area. The commission approved $937,000 for the widening of Holmes

between Hacks Cross Road and Riverdale Road on January 10. Most of the money, $750,000, came from federal funding. The rest, $187,000, was matched by the state and locally.

Commissioners Van Turner Jr. and David Bradford sponsored the resolution.

Commissioners also approved accepting $20 million to partially settle a lawsuit against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, among others, over the widespread distribution and resultant abuse of opioids.

With the settlement, the Shelby County Government joins a larger lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors by the state known as the “Tennessee Plan.”

The resolution also empowers the county’s mayor to enforce any plan or settlement arising from the state’s lawsuit.

It was sponsored by Chairman Willie Brooks Jr.

Activist, ‘first white Delta’ featured at ‘Red Roundtable’

by Dr. Sybil C. Mitchell

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

“Unbothered and Unmoved: A Red Roundtable Discussion” put Joan Trumpauer Mulholland – the first Caucasian member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated – on stage with some of her sorority sisters at the National Civil Rights Museum last Friday (Jan. 21).

Mulholland, 80, pledged Delta in 1962 at Tougaloo College, an HBCU (historically Black College and University) in Jackson, Mississippi. Her visit with Deltas at the National Civil Rights Museum (NCRM) was an evening of reflections, witticisms and just plain fun.

“My mother was horrified,” said Mulholland, recalling her mother’s reaction to her decision to attend Tougaloo. “She was from South Georgia, and she didn’t know what to tell her relatives about me.

“But my father, that was a different story. He grew up in Iowa with George Washington Carver. Mr. Carver would come out and throw peanuts for the children to find them in a scavenger hunt. My daddy grew up with Mr. Carver as his godfather. So, you know he wasn’t prejudiced.”

Mulholland said she frequently is asked why she joined Delta.

“My roommates were both Deltas, and I just said, ‘Why not?’ When I say I’m a Delta, white people always thought that I was talking about Tri-Delta, Delta Delta Delta, the white sorority. I’m Delta Sigma Theta all the way. I pledged in 1962 and crossed in 1963.”

Moderator Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq. engaged Mulholland in conversation before setting up the panel discussion with Mulholland and four other sorority members about race, violence and saving African-American children from the streets.

The panel featured Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, the first African-American woman to lead the department; Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, a former Memphis City Schools superintendent, who also served as interim president at LeMoyne Owen College; Shayla Williamson, the first African-American president of a St. Jude entity, leading the Home Health LLC., and Darrah Hall, a youth advocate and consultant.

In reference to the discussion’s title, the panelists were asked for their takes on what it means to be unbothered and unmoved.

“Every time I think of being unbothered and unmoved, I think about the things that really bother me,” Johnson-Dean said. “I

Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. honored Joan Mulholland with a presentation and award of appreciation. Gray is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a “brother organization” of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender)

“Unbothered and Unmoved: A Red Roundtable Discussion brought together (l-r) Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., Shayla Williamson, Darrah Hall, Memphis Alumnae Chapter President April Hubbard, Joan Mulholland, Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean, Robin Mayweather and Leslie Johnson. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New TriState Defender)

Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis (right) makes a point during the panel discussion with (l-r) Shayla Williamson, Darrah Hall, Joan Mulholland and Dr. Carol Johnson-Dean. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley/The New Tri-State Defender) am bothered about the graduation rate. I am bothered about teachers not receiving all the support they need. So, I am bothered and concerned and it moves me to action.”

Williamson said she thinks about Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks being unbothered and having the courage to say what they had to say.

“We should be unbothered about what others might think about us speaking our minds,” said Williamson. “The courage of these women reminds us that we add value to a conversation.”

Focused on high crime rates and gun violence, Davis said, “I am bothered by the silence, lack of engagement and the lack of support concerns me greatly. …

“When I see what is happening in our communities, I am bothered. People died for us to enjoy the freedoms and rights that are ours, but we are unmoved about what is happening around us. There is a basic inability to get us mobilized.”

Hall said, “To be unbothered and unmoved takes courage. … It also takes strength and confidence to face an issue head-on and having the courage to take action to resolve it.”

Mulholland said people can remain unbothered and composed when they stand up for what is right, no matter how unpopular the stance.

“I was a part of the movement, not just a supporter,” said Mulholland. “Bloom where you are planted, as the hippies used to say in the 60s. Deltas have always been strong and courageous in civil rights.”

Attending Tougaloo and joining an African-American sorority were not youthful acts of rebellion for Mulholland.

“I saw things happening that just weren’t right,” Mulholland said. “I wanted to be a part of the movement to make a change. It was as simple as that. We must all have the courage to stand against injustice.”

One of the Freedom Riders arrested in Jackson in 1961, Mulholland spent two months in the maximum-security unit of the Mississippi State Penitentiary, formerly known as “Parchman Farm.” The following year, she became the first white student to enroll at Tougaloo College and served as the local secretary of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

Mullholland’s son, Loki Mulholland, a filmmaker recognized for his work in fighting racism through film, joined Omega Psi Phi, an African-American fraternity and “brother” organization to the Deltas.

Business owner Robin Mayweather, who served as the program’s coordinator, said – despite the challenges – Delta must continue to have the courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult.

“We have always had a strong network for social justice and equality,” said Mayweather. “And we will keep on fighting for equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone because it is the right thing to do.”

The New Tri-State Defender

January 27 - February 2, 2022

Page 8

NEWS

Tennessee lawmakers cast final vote on redistricting maps

by Jonathan Mattise Associated Press

NASHVILLE – Republican lawmakers in Tennessee passed their state House map on Wednesday, finishing the final task in their once-adecade state legislative and congressional redistricting work.

The Senate vote sends the House plan to Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who is expected to sign all three new maps.

The House plan puts Democratic incumbents in the same district twice and Republican incumbents are paired once, not including lawmakers leaving office.

On the Democratic side, Reps.

London Lamar and Torrey Harris would be in the same Memphis district and Reps. Gloria Johnson and Sam McKenzie would be in the same Knoxville district.

Meanwhile, GOP Reps. Jerry Sexton and Rick Eldridge would be in the same district that includes Grainger

County and part of Hamblen County.

Democrats argue the map dilutes the power of minority voters, particularly in how it divides up Memphis and Rutherford County, which includes suburbs of Nashville, a city and region that boomed since the last census. The map splits 30 counties, the maximum permitted for the state House.

Republicans contend their maps will withstand any court challenges.

The GOP has supermajorities in both the state House and Senate.

Lawmakers have already passed state Senate and U.S. House maps.

The congressional plan has drawn scrutiny for splitting fast-growing Nashville three ways, and prompted longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper of Nashville to announce he won’t run again. The redraw makes Democrats the underdog to hold Cooper’s seat, which is one of two Democratic seats out of Tennessee’s nine in the U.S. House.

The state Democratic Party has

pledged to file a lawsuit over the U.S. House map and others may join, though there are significant legal hurdles for those lining up to sue. Cooper said he “explored every possible way, including lawsuits, to stop the gerrymandering and to win one of the three new congressional districts that now divide Nashville,” but determined “there’s no way, at least for me in this election cycle, but there may be a path for other worthy candidates.”

The redrawn congressional seat, which extends from sections of Nashville through five other counties, has several Republicans mulling a run.

Republican video producer Robby Starbuck, who has U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s endorsement, is already running.

The same day Cooper announced he wouldn’t run again, former President Donald Trump on Tuesday hailed a potential candidacy by Morgan Ortagus, who served as State Department spokesperson in his ad-

Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn., talks to reporters at his Nashville office, on Feb. 16, 2018. Cooper says he won’t run for reelection after serving in elected office for more than 30 years. Cooper announced that there was “no way” for him to win his seat under a new congressional map drawn up by state Republicans. (AP Photo/Jonathan Mattise) ministration. Trump promised “my Complete and Total Endorsement if she decides to run.”

Former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell has expressed interest, as has National Guard Brig. Gen. Kurt Winstead. Another name being floated is Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles, who had been rumored as a possible primary opponent to Gov. Lee this year. Other names are likely

to pop up, as well.

The Democratic side is less clear.

Odessa Kelly, a Black gay community organizer from Nashville, had been running for Cooper’s seat, and says she is now assessing what her next steps will be. She would live in one of the other two Nashville districts, though congressional candidates and members are not required to live in the district where they run or serve.

State ethics panel advances ouster of Sen. Katrina Robinson Despite objections by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators and the Shelby County Legislative Democratic Caucus, the Republican-led Tennessee Senate’s ethics committee has recommended removing Sen. Katrina Robinson (D-Memphis) from office because of a recent wire fraud conviction.

Pressing ahead over Robinson’s objections that she had short notice of the hearing and is still awaiting sentencing, the panel voted to move her case in front of the full Senate at a yet-to-be-announced date.

Ahead of the ethics’ committee decision, the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators sent a letter to the ethics committee detailing caucus members’ concerns that “the actions of this Committee appear extremely premature and could possibly violate Senator Robinson’s constitutional rights as a sitting State Senator, along with her constituency.”

The caucus also asserted in its letter that the ethics committee should afford Robinson “the same due process the courts granted her. … There has not been enough information shared by this committee to members, and the public has shared this concern as well.”

A fair and unbiased opportunity

to let Robinson make her case was “in the best interest of the Tennessee Legislature and the Tennesseans we represent,” the caucus members said in the letter. “The members of the TBCSL express our unequivocal and unwavering support for Senator Robinson to be heard and truly appreciate her service to the State of Tennessee.”

Robinson, who represents District 33, said she was notified of the hearing on Jan. 14 but was denied a delay that her attorney requested because of a scheduling conflict, leaving her without legal counsel at the ethics committee hearing. The panel previously found probable cause to remove her during a closed-door session.

“I understand that there is still a pending sentencing, pending a final order from the judge, but I believe that there is enough information that is before us now that warrants this being contemplated” by the full Senate, said Republican Majority Leader Jack Johnson, who moved to recommend expulsion if the Senate finds the ethics violation.

Prosecutors accused Robinson of using more than $600,000 in federal grant money awarded to a school for health care workers she operated to pay for personal expenses. The judge

acquitted her on 15 of 20 charges alleging misuse of federal funds in Memphis, where the school is located. On Sept. 30, a jury convicted her of four of five counts of wire fraud.

The judge later dismissed two more of those charges but wrote that “sufficient evidence was presented at trial for the jury to conclude that Robinson committed wire fraud” through the remaining two counts. Those two charge Robinson with using about $3,400 in federal funds to pay for her wedding expenses in 2016.

Robinson is scheduled to be sentenced in March. She has maintained her innocence but has declined to say whether she will resign from her elected position.

Tennessee’s state law and Constitution contain provisions that disqualify people convicted of felonies from eligibility to hold public office.

Robinson said she was “taken aback” by how the process unfolded in the legislature.

“I feel like I was not heard and I felt like important questions were not answered,” Robinson said. “I felt like misinformation was provided to the public and that is a continuation of what has happened during this whole case.”

Robinson also questioned, “How

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can someone expect to get a fair hearing in front of a committee that’s made up of four Republicans and one Democrat? Four men and one woman. Four white men and one Black woman.”

Senate Speaker Randy McNally, a Republican who has called for Robinson to resign after she was convicted, said the committee considered “not only her explicit legal status but also the ethical and moral failings indicative in the charges against her.”

“The removal of a senator under these circumstances is a very serious and historically unprecedented step,” McNally said in a statement. “This is not something we consider lightly.”

Sen. Raumesh Akbari (D-Memphis), a member of the ethics panel, said the push was premature and voted in favor of a delay to let Robinson have her attorney present. Akbari also said it could prove a “slippery slope” to seek removal on alleged behavior that preceded a lawmaker’s election and time in office.

“I have not seen a proceeding where you started with 48 counts, went down to 20, went down to five, went to a conviction of four, or guilty verdict of four, had two overturned.

There are two more left,” Akbari said. “Anything can happen before

During a post-trial press conference, State Sen. Katrina Robinson maintained that she had been targeted “based upon who I am, what I am and what I do.” (Screen capture) that final conviction notice.”

Republicans countered that Robinson could have her attorney on hand as the full Senate considers expelling her.

In its letter to members of the ethics panel, the Shelby County Legislative Democratic Caucus also argued that action taken “prior to the court issuing a final ruling on this matter would be premature and could potentially deny Senator Robinson her constitutional rights.

“An adverse and preemptive decision by this committee could also harm the citizens of the 33rd Senatorial District and Shelby County, who duly elected Senator Robinson to serve their interests at the Tennessee General Assembly.”

Robinson was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 2018.

(This story reflects a report by Jonathan Mattise of the Associated Press and a contribution by Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi.)

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The New Tri-State Defender

January 27 - February 2, 2022

NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Shelby County Government has issued Sealed Bid number I000712, Purchase of New and Unused 2021/2022 Model Fleet Replacement Vehicles for the Shelby County Health Department. Information regarding this Bid is located on the County’s website at www.shelbycountytn. gov . At the top of the home page, click on the dropdown box under “Business”, Click on “Purchasing” and “Bids” to locate the name of the above described Sealed Bid. SEALED BID I000712 DUE DATE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28th, 2022 @2:30 PM (CST) (SB-I000712) Purchase of New and Unused 2021/2022 Model Fleet Replacement Vehicles for the Shelby County Health Department – Vector Control and Pollution Control Shelby County is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer, drug-free with policies of non-discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or military service.

By order of

Memphis-Shelby County Schools choice application period is now open Families in the 901 are encouraged to begin applying or start considering the best learning environment for their children in the 2022-23 school year.

The Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) choice application period began Tuesday (Jan. 25).

MSCS choices for students include schools with a specialized learning focus and competitive entry requirements or a traditional K-12 setting with a broad set of courses and extracurricular offerings.

As of Tuesday (January 25), students in grades K-12 may apply for two General Choice options and/or two Optional schools.

NOTE THIS: • There is one online process for ALL school choice applications, including General Choice and Optional Schools.

• Apply online anytime and anywhere using any device with Internet access.

• Must have a valid email address to apply; Parents will receive an email confirming date/time of application.

• Parents of current MSCS students should apply using their PowerSchool ID, which is the same as the student’s lunch number. Non-MSCS students will use a Social Security number.

• Students may apply for two General Choice options and/or two Optional schools.

No computer or Internet?

Visit a local public library or any location with free Wi-Fi. Optional Schools MSCS offers more than 40 unique and rigorous Optional programs free of tuition, and each school has a specialized focus. To learn more about Optional Schools, visit https:// bit.ly/3AAZkIb. General Choice The General Choice process allows students in Shelby County to transfer to any MSCS school with available enrollment space. For more information on General Choice applications, click https://bit. ly/32ykzxM.

LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids MSCAA Project Number 211454-00 GA Fueling System Improvement Project – Construction Sealed bids for GA Fueling System Improvement Project – Construction will be received by the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority (Authority), Procurement Department, 4150 Louis Carruthers Drive, Memphis, TN 38118, until 2:00 PM Local Time on 03/03/2022. Bids will not be received at any other location.

Within 30 minutes thereafter, the bids will be opened and publicly read via phone/video conference at: (Zoom link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/81365075297?pwd=WjhaK09QbEtteUM2UHhBZWRYS2wzdz09; Meeting ID: 813 6507 5297 and Passcode: 642892).

The Bid Documents, including a description of the scope of work, the required response format, and additional instructions may be obtained on or before January 25, 2022 online at https://flymemphis.com/rfps-rfqs/.

A Pre-Bid Meeting will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at 1:00 PM local time via phone/video conferencing (Zoom link: https://us06web. zoom.us/j/83752007972?pwd=NCs2YlZURERFdE0vKzI4N0dQV1F0Zz09; Meeting ID: 837 5200 7972 and Passcode: 055291).

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the project site will be available for inspection Wednesday, February 2, 2022 between 9:00 a.m.

– 12:00 p.m. by appointment only (limit two representatives per bidder, please). Site visits can be requested at lmorris@flymemphis. com. Attendance during the PreBid Meeting and scheduling a site visit is strongly recommended.

All Bidders are responsible for checking the Authority’s website up to the submission deadline for any updates, addenda or additional information.

The successful Bidder must sign a contract with the Authority that includes Federal Aviation Administration provisions, if applicable, regarding the Buy American Preference, Foreign Trade Restriction, Davis-Bacon, Affirmative Action, Debarment and Suspension, and DrugFree Workplace, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Each bid must be made by a contractor licensed in Tennessee and be accompanied by a 5% Bid Guarantee. The successful bidder

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THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER CLASSIFIEDS 1509 Madison Ave. Memphis, TN 38104 PH (901) 523-1818 FAX (901) 578-5037 HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DEADLINES: Display ads Friday 5 p.m.

Classifieds ads Monday 5 p.m.

STANDARD RATES: $6.00 per line for 1 column ad.

Rates are non-commissionable and are quoted at the net rate. No refund for early cancellation. For additional information contact Sales Dept. at (901) 746-5201 or email: advertising@tsdmemphis.com.

BEER PERMITS Flat Rate: $35 GENERAL INFORMATION:

must execute a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the amount of 100% each of the Contract Price. There is a 0% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for this project.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.

By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Flintco, LLC. has been selected as Construction Manager/ General Contractor (CM/GC) for the following project: Gaisman Park Soccer Field Improvements Construction Documents Prequalified subcontractors are invited to submit complete bids for this project. Examine documents at Construction Manager’s office. Obtain documents via distribution on Construction Manager’s FTP site. Plans will be available to bidders January 17, 2022.

Plan deposits are not required. All bidders, if not prequalified, must pre-qualify in accordance with Instructions to Bidders. Non-Discrimination policy applies.

Project Description: This project consists of constructing two (2) new soccer fields with associated lightings, new concrete sidewalks, landscaping, and storm drainage.

Advertisment: This advertisement will publish on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 and close on Thursday, February 3, 2022.

Bid Packages: Bid Package No. 26A – Electrical Bid Package No. 31A – Erosion Control, Site Demolition, and Earthwork Bid Package No. 32A – Site Concrete Bid Package No. 32B – Athletic and Recreational Surfacing Bid Package No. 32C – Landscaping Bid Package No. 33A – Storm Drainage Bids Received At: Flintco, LLC 2179 Hillshire Circle Memphis, TN 38133 Ph. 901-372-9600 Until: 2:00PM Local Time On: Thursday, February 3, 2022

Some categories require prepayment.

All ads subject to credit approval. The New Tri-State Defender reserves the right to correctly classify and edit all copy or to reject or cancel any ad at any time. Only standard abbreviations accepted. Copy change during ordered schedule constitutes new ad & new changes. Deadlines for cancellation are identical to placement deadlines. Rates subject to change.

ADJUSTMENTS: PLEASE check your ad the first day it appears. Call (901) 523-1818 if an error occurs. We can only offer in-house credit and NO REFUNDS are issued.

THE NEW TRI-STATE DEFENDER assumes no financial responsibility for errors nor for copy omission.

Direct any classified billing inquires to (901) 523-1818.

Plan Deposit: None Required Construction Manager: Flintco, Inc. 2179 Hillshire Circle Memphis, TN 38133 Contact: Logan Rogers, Senior Estimator logan.rogers@flintco.com Ph. 901.612.2885 Bonding Requirements: A performance and payment bond is not required for this project.

Licensing Requirements: Bidders shall be familiar with the Contractors Licensing Act of 1994, as currently amended, codified in Tennessee Code Annotated Sections 62-6-101, et seq. A contract will not be awarded that conflicts with state licensing laws.

Pre-Bid Conference: 2:00 PM Local Time Wedensday, January 26, 2022 Gaisman Community Center 4221 Macon Road Memphis, TN 38122 Pre-Bid Conference is not mandatory.

NOTICE TO BIDDER(S) Sealed bids will be received by the Shelby County Government in the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134 until 9:30 a.m. on February 11, 2022, as shown below: MULTIPLE AND ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REHABILITATION JOBS ARE CONTAINED IN THIS BID NOTICE. BIDDER(S) MAY ELECT TO BID ON ANY OR ALL OF THE JOBS IN THE NOTICE. SEALED BID I000713 DUE AT 9:30 a.m.: February 11, 2022 1. Rehabilitation of Owner-Occupied Housing Units throughout Shelby County some of which may require the use of lead based paint safe work practices and techniques; and Detailed specifications for items above may be obtained in the Shelby County Department of Housing at the aforementioned address beginning January 28, 2022. All bids will be opened and publicly read by the Shelby County Government at the time mentioned above at the Department of Housing, 1075 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134, (901) 222-7600; TTY Number (901) 222-2301; or for information in Spanish 901-222-7601. Award recommendations will be posted at the following website http:// www.shelbycountytn.gov/3453/ Contract-Opportunities upon review of the bid opening results.

As a condition precedent to bidding, each bidder must apply and qualify for a Vendor Number and Equal Opportunity Compliance Eligibility Number prior to the submitting your response. Your EOC number must be displayed on the outside of your envelope for each bid submission.

must have met with the Housing Site Inspector and received a receipt for the current Shelby County Housing Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual. Interested contractors not currently on the contractor list should contact the Department of Housing in order to schedule a meeting with the Housing Site Inspector. If you are currently on the contractor list but have not received a receipt for the current Construction and Rehabilitation Specifications Manual, please schedule an appointment to do so.

The label, which is attached to the specifications shall be completely filled out and attached to the bid submission envelope.

You must display your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number or your Locally Owned Small Business (LOSB) Number on the outside of your envelope and a copy of all licenses and insurance policies must be included in your submitted bid package.

Unless the label is completely filled out and your current E.O.C. Eligibility Number is noted thereon your bid may be returned to you unopened. Should your label be lost or misplaced, please note the appropriate information in the lower lefthand corner of your envelope.

The Department of Housing encourages participation from WBE, MBE, LOSB, and Section 3 Contractors under these rehabilitation programs.

The Shelby County Government reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.

By order of LEE HARRIS, MAYOR SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Scott Walkup, Administrator NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Jesus Manzanares Tax Parcel #: 07001200000200 Tax Sale #: 1604 Price Offered: $20000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice. If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 9:30 a.m. on February 25, 2022, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 584 Adams Avenue Memphis, TN 38103 (901)222-2400

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SPORTS

The New Tri-State Defender, January 27 - February 2, 2022, Page 10

Hardaway, Tigers grit out a win with the season teetering TSD Newsroom After falling behind 48-33 late in the second half, the University of Memphis Tigers outscored Tulsa by 17 the rest of the way to earn a much-needed 83-81 win on Sunday (Jan. 23).

Tyler Harris had a season-high 24 points to lead the Tigers.

Josh Minott had 18 points and nine rebounds for Memphis (10-8, 4-4 American Athletic Conference). Alex Lomax added seven assists.

Tulsa totaled 46 first-half points, a season-high for the Golden Hurricane.

The victory for the Tigers came on the heels of the fallout from Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway’s expletive-accented postgame comments following a 70-62 loss in the previous game against SMU. After the SMU game played at FedExForum, a local sports columnist asked Hardaway if he had lost faith that he could get the job done and whether the results thus far were embarrassing. Hardaway’s response became national sports news and social media fodder.

“The one thing I can say to this media is that it gets f….. up sometimes when it comes to me. We don’t have our full roster.

Y’all know we don’t have a full roster. Stop asking me stupid f…… questions, if I feel like I can do something. If I had my roster like they did, I feel like I can do whatever I want to do.

“I am coaching really hard. The boys are playing really hard. I am not embarrassed about nothing. We had four freshmen starting. Y’all need to act like it. We have 17, 18 and 19-year-olds out here trying to learn how to play against 22, 23 and 24-year-old guys. Stop disrespecting me bro. Don’t do that. I work to f….. hard. I work way too hard for that. Y’all write all these bullshit articles about me and all I do is work. I got young kids on the floor.”

Hardaway took to Twitter to issue an apology the next day.

“Memphis, just want to let you guys know that I love you. Tiger Nation, I love you. I want to issue an apology to my school, to my players, and to our fans. I let my emotions get the best of me last night and that’s not the way you handle situations.

“I bleed blue. I’m fighting always for my school, my city and for our players. We are working very hard. We know there is adversity right now, but it is not going to stop us from working hard. We are going to make you guys proud. We are going to win. We are going to get through this together.

“To the fans that are fighting with us, thank you so much. We really appreciate it.

You guys help push us through with your energy.

Alex Lomax (right) has the attention of the Tigers on the floor. (Photo: Terry Davis/The New Tri-State Defender) “And to my players, let’s keep fighting on. We’re 901 strong and, again, Memphis, I love you. Peace.”

After the SMU debacle and prior to the Sunday win over Tulsa, senior guard Alex Lomax provided an example of the mindset the Tigers will need to squeeze satisfaction out of a season gone sour.

Returning to the active-player mix after being sidelined for five games with an ankle injury, Lomax put the Tigers’ wire-towire loss to SMU (14-4, 5-1 AAC) and the remainder of Memphis’ 2021-22 season in a matter-of-fact context.

“Just to get back out there felt good, to be out there with my brothers. When you lose, it don’t feel good at all. It is not where I want to be,” said Lomax, who came off the bench to contribute 5 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block and only 1 turnover in 26 minutes.

“What happened today, will be over to-

day. Tomorrow is a new day. We have to correct our mistakes and stay positive. …

It (finding positive energy) comes from me and other veterans. We have got to keep the freshmen engaged.

“We have three seasons – the non-conference, the conference and the postseason,” said Lomax. “I know it is a long season to go. Anything is possible. We have the team to make something happen. We preach to the young guys to stay positive and stay in the gym.”

NEXT On Thursday (Jan. 27), Memphis will host East Carolina in a game scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN 2.

Penny Hardaway looks on from the sidelines in a game that the Tigers trailed from wire to wire en route to losing to SMU. (Photo: Terry Davis/ The New Tri-State Defender)

Tigers turn ‘pain’ of a loss into a victory lesson

by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr.

Special to The New Tri-State Defender

University of Memphis coach Katrina Merriweather said her players drew upon a loss in its previous game to tip the outcome in the Tigers’ favor against Houston’s Cougars.

Memphis (11-5, 2-3 American Athletic Conference) outlasted Houston 57-53 at Elma Roane Fieldhouse last Saturday (Jan. 22) after having lost three of its first four conference games, including coming up short (81-74) in its previous game in New Orleans against the Tulane Green Wave.

Against Tulane, the Tigers led by 10 after the first quarter and a single point at halftime. They trailed by three after the third quarter en route to the seven-point loss.

“We needed the pain of the loss (against Tulane) to understand the

importance of late-game situations,” Merriweather said after the Houston win. “I think we did a great job of handling those situations today.”

Against Houston (9-10, 2-5 AAC), the Tigers put on one of their best defensive performances of the season, limiting the Cougars Houston to 36 percent shooting from the field and 18 percent from beyond the threepoint line.

The Tigers were paced on offense by guards Emani Jefferson and Madison Griggs, with each scoring 13 points. Post players Tyler Frierson and Alana Davis grabbed six rebounds apiece and were key contributors on the defensive end.

Griggs and Jefferson also were defensive factors, as each grabbed key steals in the second half.

While the Tigers turned in a stellar performance on defense, Merriweather had plenty of praise for their selflessness and ball movement on

played their role, either big or small, and how we were able to withstand everything that they threw at us,” Merriweather said.

“I feel like this game taught us the importance of possessions and being able to get stops late, and that is exactly what we did.”

With injuries and players out due to COVID-19 protocols, several Memphis players were forced to log extended minutes. Four of the five Memphis starters played 30-plus minutes.

NEXT

Head coach Katrina Merriweather and the University of Memphis Tigers were a happy group after beating Houston at Elna Roane Fieldhouse. (Photo: University of Memphis, Twitter) the offensive end.

Leading scorer Jamirah Shutes, who averages slightly over 12 points a contest, finished with 8 points and

added 5 assists.

It was the third game in seven days for Memphis.

“I want to thank everyone who

The Tigers were set for a rematch against the Golden Hurricane in Tulsa (12-3, 2-2) on Wednesday (Jan. 26). They lost 72-69 to Tulsa at Elna Roane Fieldhouse on January 5.

On Saturday (January 29) Memphis hosts Temple (8-7, 3-1).